Jimmy Kimmel Pays Tribute to Adam Carolla at Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

On Wednesday, 2026, podcaster Adam Carolla received a Radio-category star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony at the star’s intersection was emceed by Adam Weissler, with Jimmy Kimmel delivering the main tribute and Dr. Drew Pinsky offering remarks.

Variety MagazineJimmy Kimmel fights back tears, praises Adam Carolla at Walk of Fame ceremony

Kimmel first met Carolla in 1994 while working on the Los Angeles radio program Kevin and Bean on KROQ. Carolla, then a boxing instructor, was hired to prepare Kimmel for a bout. Their first on-air exchange featured Carolla roasting Kimmel, launching a comedic partnership that lasted decades.

Jimmy Kimmel fights back tears, praises Adam Carolla at Walk of Fame ceremonyVariety Magazine

Together they co-founded Jackhole Productions, producing the Comedy Central sketch series The Man Show and Crank Yankers. Carolla later hosted Too Late, launched The Adam Carolla Podcast, and authored a New York Times bestseller. Kimmel noted Carolla’s rise from a “poor kid from the San Fernando Valley” to a millionaire.

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Carolla’s commentary aligns with conservative views, while Kimmel’s monologues often target right-leaning figures. Despite this, Carolla has repeatedly defended Kimmel, publicly supporting him after the “expectant widow” joke about Melania Trump and after Kimmel’s 2025 suspension over remarks about activist Charlie Kirk. Carolla describes himself as an outspoken critic of “cancel culture,” framing his defense as opposition to punitive actions against comedians.

Jimmy Kimmel fights back tears, praises Adam Carolla at Walk of Fame ceremonyVariety Magazine

Kimmel’s remarks highlighted Carolla’s originality, comedic talent, and entrepreneurial success, stressing their personal bond despite political differences. He noted Carolla “worked his way up from nothing to become, literally, a millionaire.” Dr. Drew Pinsky also spoke, acknowledging Carolla’s impact on radio and comedy.

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• “Adam told ‘Kevin and Bean,’ ‘Jimmy is 160 pounds of pure chiseled steel. Unfortunately, he weighs 225.’” — Adam Carolla, on Kevin and Bean

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• “As a result, I lost that fight, but I gained a life partner. And if that sounds gay to you, it was and it is,” — Jimmy Kimmel

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• “Adam and I, as you probably know, don’t agree much when it comes to politics, but I love him dearly,” — Jimmy Kimmel

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• “I’ve never worked with anyone funnier.” — Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel fights back tears, praises Adam Carolla at Walk of Fame ceremony

The ceremony underscored the capacity for personal friendships to transcend partisan divides within the entertainment industry. Carolla’s public defense of Kimmel illustrates a counter-narrative to the notion that political affiliation dictates professional alliances, offering a nuanced view of “cancel culture” debates.

Jimmy Kimmel fights back tears, praises Adam Carolla at Walk of Fame ceremony

Carolla’s star will remain a permanent fixture on the Walk of Fame, symbolizing his contributions to radio and comedy. Both hosts are expected to continue collaborating on future projects, while their public exchanges may influence ongoing discussions about political tolerance among entertainers.

Jimmy Kimmel fights back tears, praises Adam Carolla at Walk of Fame ceremony